I know they're just fiction, but too many films are made (and novels and short stories written) on the premise that they will not be interesting unless they show us the darker aspects of human nature, and include plenty of conflict. When there is already so much of that in the daily news, I cannot understand why people want it in their entertainment, as well.

In the beginning of this film, we are introduced to a crooked, glib antique dealer to whom scamming people comes as naturally as breathing. While both film and popular fiction literature portray sociopaths and psychopaths as deranged serial killers, this character presents a much more accurate portrait of what they actually look like—and there are people just like him all around. True to the type (no conscience nor compassion), he even preys on the children of the town. He doesn't come off as slick or oily, nor does he laugh up his sleeve; rather, he projects the image of a friendly and trustworthy grandfather type. He's comfortable because he just figures it's their tough luck (including the kids) if they don't know what he's about.

I didn't stick with the film long enough to see the outcome of his dealings with Bobby Breen's character, nor to see if he "get's his" somewhere in the film. I didn't stick around to see the ice skating scenes, either, and I enjoy watching figure skating as much as gymnastics. Having been mauled myself a few times by sociopaths, seeing this guy sucker the kids just pushed too many buttons. I've found a few films here on IA that manage to show us some of the more positive aspects of human nature without being sappy; I'm off to look for more of those.

You don't see many of those around these days and sure didn't see a bunch in the 30s and 40s, but I really enjoyed this one except the Irene Dare skating scenes.. Those were kind of well...yawn if you ask me, but i liked the rest of this flick immensely!
To bad Tommy had to burn in hell for making a movie much less getting a harmonica without earning it. If he had just stayed on his uncles farm and taken his regular beatings..

By the way..Bobby Breen was on the album cover of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club band..front row next to George Harrison

The moral to the story: Don't sing and be happy.. Work yourself to the bone and wear heavy clothing year round and be an eternal sour puss and you'll go to heaven...errrr...The imaginary man in the sky will reward you if you do..

This was just pretty good. Irene Dare is in it, skating her little heart out.

WARNING!!!.....To All Diabetics, The Sugar Content Of This Film Will Induce Coma!..Americana Schmaltz!.......Real Nice Print (Mpeg2) & Audio.Best I've Seen On This Site.......I Download Two Films At A Time....Burn Then To A DVD...And Put Them Im My Saturday Nite Schlock Bloc Collection....Invite Your Friends Over And All The Beer They Brought Will Be Left For You As They Bolt Out The Door!

Ten year old Bobby Breen does an excellent job, both vocally and in his acting. While the story is highly improbable and dated, it has wonderful songs written by Young, Churchill, & Webster. There are many notable character actors supporting Bobby in this film (Originally released by RKO), and it is well directed by Mr.Cline. Sol Lesser was the producer of Bobby's films at RKO studios.